Driver inattention, distractions, and drunk and drugged driving are all major contributing factors to traffic accidents. Drivers have a duty to drive carefully and avoid causing foreseeable injuries to other motorists. Unfortunately, not all drivers successfully carry out that duty, which leads to accidents across Tennessee.
If the carelessness of another driver caused a traffic accident and you suffered injuries, the Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC, can help you hold the driver liable for your damages. Call us today at 865-546-1111 to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our car accident lawyers. We can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses from your accident.
What Factors Contribute to Traffic Accidents?
Driver Error
Driver error contributes to 94 percent of traffic accidents, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report. Of that percentage, recognition errors account for 41 percent of crashes. Recognition errors include inattention—such as wandering thoughts or daydreaming—and failing to look for or see other vehicles.
Tennessee crash statistics show the same driver errors cause accidents statewide. For instance, the number of wrecks that occurred due to inattentive driving rose from 12,934 in 2014 to 15,299 in 2017, according to the state Department of Safety & Homeland Security (TDOS). Overall, TDOS figures show traffic accidents in Tennessee have been on the rise since 2014.
Impaired Driving
Without question, driving under the influence of alcohol remains a major factor in causing traffic accidents. In 2015, 10,265 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. That is an average of one alcohol-impaired driving fatality every 51 minutes, according to the latest figures available from the NHTSA. Of the total number, 63 percent of drivers had a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08 percent or higher.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains a major factor in traffic accidents, including in Tennessee. Drivers who shift their focus from the road and instead pay attention to any other activity place motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists at risk for a traffic accident. Drivers become distracted when they text, talk on the phone, groom themselves, or eat or drink.
According to TDOS figures, crashes resulting from eating, reading, talking, and other distractions increased from 13,302 in 2015 to 14,835 in 2016.
Speeding
The NHTSA considers speeding [In Progress: Link to https://www.wreckintoacheck.com/faqs/how-does-speed-contribute-to-car-accidents/]—along with driving too fast for conditions and driving too fast for a curve—as a driver decision error that contributes to traffic accidents. Nationally, there were 9,557 fatalities that occurred in speeding-related crashes in 2015. That represents a 3-percent increase from 2014.
At the same time, speed-related fatalities in Tennessee have dropped from 220 in 2014 to 173 in 2016, according to TDOS data.
What Are the Top Contributing Crash Factors in Tennessee?
Of all the reasons crashes occurred in Tennessee in 2017, following improperly was the top driver action that contributed to accidents. According to the state’s TDOS figures, 41,370 car accidents occurred statewide because drivers failed to keep a safe distance behind other cars. Additionally, 29,963 wrecks occurred in Tennessee because drivers failed to yield the right of way.
What Can I Do If I Was in a Car Accident?
If these or other driver actions contributed to an accident that injured you or caused damage to your vehicle, the Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC, can help you recover compensation for your damages. Our firm handles all aspects of car accident claims, including filing and negotiating on your behalf.
Before filing an insurance claim, our attorneys will investigate your accident. If you have a viable case, we collect evidence to build a solid negligence case against the at-fault driver and other parties responsible for causing your injuries or property damage. Depending on the actual losses you suffered in the accident, you can pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and other physical and emotional damages.
Insurance companies offer low payouts to save money. Our car accident attorneys diligently pursue full and fair compensation against all negligent parties on behalf of our clients. If an uninsured motorist caused the crash, we can help you pursue compensation with your own insurance company.
How Can I Contact the Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC, Today?
At the Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC, we understand how important it is for accident victims to recover compensation and get their lives back on track. Call us now at 865-546-1111 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our car accident attorneys.
We diligently pursue accident cases on contingency, which means you do not pay us for our service unless we recover compensation for you.